Thomas A Kendall

(1925-2002)

Urantia Foundation Trustee

Thomas Aldern Kendall was born on 22 April 1925 in Chicago Illinois, the son of Thomas and Lena Kendall of Chicago, Illinois. He was introduced to the Forum in June 1952 by his future wife, Carolyn Bowman, who was a second generation Forum member. He attended study groups regularly for over fifty years.

Tom served on the Board of Trustees of the Urantia Foundation from 1963 to 1983 and served as President from 1973 to 1983. He traveled frequently on behalf of the Urantia Foundation, meeting with translation groups in Finland, France, and Italy. Joel Rehnstorm of Finland spoke of his efforts: "Tom was such an agreeable, charming, and well-balanced person to deal with." He was the first to promote a Spanish translation to the other trustees.

Tom worked with legal counsel to renew the copyright of the Urantia Book in 1983. He actively communicated with Urantia Brotherhood Societies to help explain how the trademark licensing agreements would help maintain the safety of the name Urantia and the Concentric-Circles Symbol for the benefit of future reader-believers. He was always approachable to anyone seeking clarification of Foundation actions and policies.

Tom was also dedicated to the Urantia Brotherhood. He served on the General Council for a total of twenty-nine years. Tom completed the Brotherhood School program in the late 1950s and was awarded Certified Leader and Ordained Teacher certificates. He served on the Domestic Extension of the Brotherhood for twenty years, nineteen of those as its chariman. Later, he was a member of the Judicial Committee for six years.

In his later years Tom assisted the Foundation by providing personal files, historical background, and advice to current trustees and their legal counsel. He served on the fundraising and advisory group known as the Matthew Project as his health permitted.

Tom died at home on 13 October 2002, leaving his wife, Carolyn, five children, and seven grandchildren. The Urantia Foundation cast a memorial plaque as a "tribute in recognition of and with deep appreciation to Tom for his twenty years of service as a Trustee of the Urantia Foundation,"" which now hangs at 533 Diversey. Tom was appreciated for his many years of devoted service and for the inspiration he provided to those who continue this work today.